DUNEDIN, Fla. – The first time Deck McGuire faced hitters in spring training, his catcher was John McDonald.

It was February of 2011. McGuire was the Blue Jays’ top draft pick from the previous June. McDonald, once voted the most popular Blue Jay in a fan poll, was a veteran infielder pressed into service on the first day of live batting practice because there were not enough catchers for all the pitchers.

Does McGuire remember that day?

The answer comes in a big smile.

“I do,” he said. “My very first live BP in 2011. I tell people all the time, of all the places I’ve been, John McDonald and Aaron Hill in my first year were two of the most professional people I’ve ever met. I’m really thankful that was part of my first experience in pro ball, to be in spring training with some of those awesome guys.”

Back then, many scouts projected McGuire as a mid-rotation starter in the big leagues. The...